‘Warmongering’ anniversary: Former rebels slam CPP’s refusal of ceasefire

MANILA — As the New People’s Army (NPA) prepares to mark its 57th founding anniversary on March 29, former rebels and peace advocates are hitting back at the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for its refusal to declare a unilateral ceasefire, calling the move a desperate act of “warmongering” to stay relevant.

CPP Chief Public Information Officer Marco Valbuena recently exclusively confirmed to online media outfit Kodao Productions that there will be no cessation of hostilities, stating that all units are directed to carry out “planned guerrilla actions.”

Arian Jane Ramos, formerly known as Ka Marikit and a former secretary of NPA Guerrilla Front 52, said the move appears to be little more than a publicity stunt. “With only a handful of fighters left in a few areas, the leadership needs something to project strength,” Ramos said, currently the Head of Legal Affiars of Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc., the national federation of former rebels.

She warned that the refusal to suspend hostilities could place civilians and former rebels at risk. “If anything, the non-ceasefire order may be targeting civilians or former rebels whom they have publicly branded as ‘traitors,’ especially in light of the spate of killings reported since 2025,” she added.

She cited the initial findings of BKFI which documented around 48 killings nationwide linked to the NPA between 2025 and early 2026, with 44 of these cases occurring in Negros Island alone. The federation said the victims included 11 farmers, nine former or current barangay officials, and three women, with 15 victims aged 50 and above, including senior citizens.

‘Front Orgs’ as the Lifeblood

James, a former cadre based in Cebu, warned that the CPP’s bravado relies heavily on its legal front organizations to maintain a semblance of strength. “Ang kanilang pahayag ay nakabase sa sustainability ng kanilang armado dahil marami pa silang na-organize na mga sectoral organizations,” James said.

He noted that these groups serve as the “moral” and logistical pipeline for the movement in barangays and cities. “Ibig sabihin, ang front organizations ang pinagkukuhanan nila ng lakas.”

TRUTH, PEACE, & JUSTICE. Members of the Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc. in Region 7 hold a peaceful protest in Cebu, advocating for peace and supporting the Terror Grooming Prevention Bill. Photo Courtesy of Peace & Development Federation of Cebu

Cebu Chooses Peace

Meanwhile, in a direct counter-response to the CPP-NPA’s anniversary rhetoric, the Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc. Region 7 (BKFI7)  held a multi-sectoral mobilization at the Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City.

Under the theme “National Day of Choosing Peace,” the group condemned what it called “terror-grooming” and radicalization. The activity also expressed support for the Cebu Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) and the proposed Terror Grooming and Radicalization Prevention Bill.

Warning from Bicol

In the Bicol Region, Valerio, another former rebel, cautioned the public to remain vigilant. He interpreted Valbuena’s statement as a signal of potential violence.

“Ibig sabihin may mga plano silang karahasan. Sunod-sunod ang kanilang depensibang labanan kung saan talunan sila, kaya ang di pagbaba ng ceasefire ay posibleng pahiwatig ng paghihiganti kung may kakayahan pa sila,” Valerio warned.

Legacy of Violence

BKFI, ahead of this year’s NPA anniversary, issued a statement urging the remaining estimated 780 active fighters nationwide to abandon the armed struggle. “Fifty-seven years of the CPP-NPA-NDFP armed struggle has proven to be a vicious cycle of violence that only harmed communities,” the federation said.

“We speak from experience as former believers in that narrative.”

While the CPP signals continued conflict, government data suggests the insurgency is in its twilight.

With over 13,000 amnesty applications from former CPP-NPA-NDFP members filed and the rapid depletion of active combatants, the “planned guerrilla actions” mentioned by Valbuena appear more like attempts to remain relevant than a viable military strategy.

BKFI maintains that March 29 should not be a day of celebration, but a day to reclaim peace and hold the movement accountable for what it described as decades of stalled development in the countryside.